RRCA

The Raisin River Canoe Race will be postponed one week and will be held on Sunday, April 22 this year. "We have considered the latest forecasts which call for the likelihood of a high impact storm consisting of snow, ice pellets, and freezing rain all weekend. These conditions would be very unpleasant for paddlers, spectators, volunteers and volunteer safety crews. We are also concerned about participant and spectator safety," says the Raisin Region Conservation Authority. "Those who have pre-registered online will be given the option of a deferral for next week, a refund, or they may elect an alternate paddler for their entry. We will be contacting people by email directly. We are committed to this decision, and the race will be held on the 22nd regardless if the weather forecasts change.

The Raisin Region Conservation Authority is advising caution near local rivers and creeks. The recent precipitation and unseasonably warm temperatures are resulting in rapid snowmelt and ice breakup. Water levels are currently rising and water is moving quickly. Since water is currently contained within the river banks, for the most part, wide-scale flooding is not expected at this time.

The Raisin Region Conservation Authority has announced the date for the 46th Annual Raisin River Canoe Race. This year's event is scheduled for Sunday, April 15. Stay tuned to The Glengarry News for details, as the date is subject to change, depending on river conditions and the spring melt.

The annual spring rite, otherwise known as the Raisin River Canoe Race took place today. Our sports editor has posted a short story on Sports in the Glens, and our next edition of The Glengarry News will have full coverage.

High water levels and warm sunshine greeted the 195 entries in the Raisin River Canoe Race today. Among the changes for the 2017 race, the start line was moved 5 km downstream, and portaging was required in Martintown – both for safety reasons.

As always, your dedicated Glengarry county information source, The Glengarry News, was there covering the event, with two reporters/photographers. We will have photos, results, and more in the next edition of the newspaper.

The word is out and official, as the Raisin Region Conservation Authority announced tonight that the Martintown Dam will be closed to all participants in Sunday's canoe race, and paddlers will be required to portage.

The water level is exceptionally high and will create challenges in other areas of the course as well, with the starting point expected to be moved downstream from its usual spot at St. Andrew's Catholic School. Participants are asked to check in at the school before race time and will be advised where they will be starting.

Here's the official announcement from the RRCA:

We are confirming the Martintown dam will be closed to paddlers for tomorrow's race. Please don't let this keep you from cheering paddlers in the beautiful historic town of Martintown as paddlers will need your cheers to encourage them as they portage. The location of the start of the race will be announced in the morning after "Devil's Chute" downstream of Lefebvre Bridge is assessed. This area and McIntre Rapids are going to prove the most difficult for paddlers.

It's also worth noting that the river has spilled its banks in many locations, creating "lake-like situations" in along the river course, including upstream of the dam in Martintown, where canoes and kayaks will be portaging. Below Martintown there's another "lake."

Downstream of MacGillivray's Bridge (Summerstown Road) the river water has receded somewhat, after having spilled onto CR17 following rain this week. Nonetheless, the river remains fast and wide too.

In the finishing area in Williamstown, the river is turbulent and will likely create a challenge for some paddlers to beach their boats.

The high water level and fast current of the Raisin River is seen here in Martintown, in the April 8 image. (Sean Bray photo)